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MacKenzie Questions Expansion Fund |
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Written by NS Liberal Party
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Monday, 30 January 2006 |
Liberal Leader Francis MacKenzie wants to know why the Hamm Government has dropped $50 million into the Office of Economic Development's Industrial Expansion fund at this time, and where is the money coming from?
Due to the increase, the Executive Council has more than doubled the entire budget of Economic Development, and increased OED's development initiatives by 180%.
"For such a significant decision of an incredible amount of taxpayer dollars, why could this not have waited until a new budget was brought forward, and the issue be debated on the floor of legislature?" asks MacKenzie.
"I am sure there are other more pressing priorities that need an injection of cash, most notably affordable housing. The provincial government hasn't come near its commitment to match federal dollars that total $56 million. To date the province has only spent approximately $14 million. This is urgent, many people are waiting for a home," he said.
In a direct quote from the 1999 Progressive Conservative Bluebook, the Tories promised to streamline OED, and move away from cash handouts to corporations. 'Streamlining the Department of Economic Development so it focuses on infrastructure/training and marketing, rather than on simply passing out grants, loans and loan guarantees'.
According to the Tories 2000 growth strategy, Nova Scotia Business Inc was supposed to be the private led corporation that would manage front-line business development functions such as investment attraction, trade business and retention and expansion. "What happen to this strategy? And what is the current role of NSBI? Nova Scotians deserve answers", added MacKenzie. |
